Abstract
The paper discussed for the first time three colored mosaic pavements that were discovered ninety years ago at Shivta and its vicinity by the Colt Expedition. Previous studies focused on the mosaic Greek inscriptions but did not consider other aspects. The reason for that was that one mosaic had been covered in order to protect it and the second mosaic was destroyed soon after its exposure. The removal of the modern layer covering the first floor enabled us to study it closely and the discovery of a photo of the second mosaic, as well as some archival documents, allow us to determine that a mosaic with personifications of the four rivers of Paradise adorned the bema of the Central Church. The third mosaic was uncovered during recent renovation work beneath the modern floor of the guest lounge of Colt's house. The three colored mosaics contribute to our understanding of the Byzantine art in the central Negev.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Cities, Monuments and Objects in the Roman and Byzantine Levant |
| Subtitle of host publication | Studies in Honour of Gabi Mazor |
| Publisher | Archaeopress |
| Pages | 234-246 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781803273358 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781803273341 |
| State | Published - 10 Nov 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Archaeopress and the individual authors 2022. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Art in tht Negev
- Byzantine art
- Four rivers of paradise
- Mosaic
- Shivta